Appia’s Management Team

Victor von Schlegell | President

Victor has been active in Voice over internet (VoIP) and related technologies for more than 20 years. In 1997, he founded ISPhone, one of the world’s first VoIP networks. In 2001, he cofounded Appia. Previously, Victor was president of a regional internet service provider, principal of an international management consulting firm, and president of an industrial products manufacturing company. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stanford University, where he was a Ford Foundation fellow.

William Bollinger | Vice President Legacy Platforms

Bill has worked in VoIP and related technologies for more than 20 years. In 2001, Bill cofounded Appia. Prior to joining Appia, Bill cofounded a convergence company and worked on converging voice and data at a number of industry-leading companies, including 3Com, US Robotics and Network Equipment Technologies. He was educated at Purdue University.

Barry Kempa | Chief Financial Officer

Barry has held a variety of senior level financial positions during the past 25 years, mainly in the automotive industry. His experience has mainly been with privately-held manufacturing companies with sales ranging from $15 MM to $300 MM. He was also an early investor in ISPhone. Barry holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Michigan and is a registered CPA.

John Lodden | Director Telecommunications Management

John has been active in the telecommunications and computer industries for over 30 years. He served as director of operations for a CLEC that was sold to XO Communications and started a Michigan CLEC based that was sold in 2002. Just prior to joining Appia, he was founder and president of Michigan Network Services, a CLEC he sold in 2014. John has also been president and on the board of various computer user groups.

Kathryn Rohder | Director Finance

Kathy joined Appia in 2002. Previously, she was controller for a waste management company, a wholesaler, and a manufacturer and distributor of cable-convey feeding systems. She also served as general manager for a distributor of ophthalmology products. Kathy earned a bachelor degree at Central College in Iowa.

Jeffrey Schroeder | Vice President Engineering

Jeff has worked in the technology field for over 12 years. Before joining Appia, he worked as a network consultant, helping to design and maintain complex networks. He has also provided technical training to the IT staffs of companies such as CNA Insurance, Tellabs, ConAgra, and Corn Products, Inc. Jeff was educated at Regis University.

Jason Ulm | Vice President Sales

Jason joined Appia as a Channel Manager. He was instrumental in developing a substantial client base in the Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Chicago markets, and was appointed Vice President Sales in 2007. Prior to joining Appia, Jason had eight years of direct sales experience in the IT and telecom industries.